Lacrosse head pocket

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse head pocket for a lacrosse head having a scoop and opposing sidewalls. The pocket includes a pocket member comprising one or more thin, flexible portions. The pocket member is connected to the scoop and at least a portion of the sidewalls.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No.09/843,454, filed on Apr. 26, 2001. Priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a pocket for a lacrosse head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Lacrosse heads comprise basically two portions. An injectionmolded plastic head frame typically having a generally “V” shape, andnetting which is strung from the bottom of the frame to comprise thepocket into which the ball is received and from which the ball isthrown. Typically, the frame defines a series of holes close to itsbottom edge along its entire periphery, and a string passed throughthose holes is used to connect the pocket to the head frame.

[0004] The pocket can generally be divided into two sections havinggenerally different functions. When a ball is being carried in thestick, it generally resides in what is termed herein a “ball-carryingpocket portion” that is generally closer to the ball stop or throatportion of the frame as opposed to the scoop portion of the frame. Thesecond portion of the pocket is termed the “shooting portion” herein,and is generally the area of the stringing from which the ball islaunched when it is thrown in the usual manner. Typically, when alacrosse ball is thrown, it moves along the stringing up from theball-carrying pocket portion towards the scoop and over the shootingportion, and is launched from the head off the scoop, or off theshooting portion stringing close to the scoop. The lower boundary ofthis portion from which the ball is launched is generally defined in amesh or strung pocket by additional stringing or lacing in the lacrossehead, typically accomplished by passing shoelaces through the nettingalong a straight or curved line.

[0005] Since the netting is strung to the head frame manually, and sincethe shooting strings are added manually, there is quite of bit of manuallabor involved in stringing a lacrosse head. This adds to the cost ofheads, and also adds a human variability factor which results ininconsistent production from person to person, or even from day to day.In addition, the number of separate components making up a traditionalpocket is in the range of 8-12, which increases the complexity and costsassociated with inventory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide alacrosse head pocket that is extremely consistent from stick to stick.

[0007] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat is less expensive to create and attach to the head frame.

[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat decreases production time substantially, likely by about fifty(50%) percent.

[0009] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat reduces the number of components in a pocket, in the preferredembodiment to five or less.

[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat allows for different looks and color schemes.

[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat is more durable and easier to use.

[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat provides a consistent release of the ball without the need for anymaintenance tuning.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat provides a very smooth ball release from the head.

[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat virtually eliminates the occurrence of unwanted “whip” in throwingthe ball.

[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a pocketthat is customizable and thus can be designed to be tailored to playersof all different playing styles.

[0016] This invention results from the realization that lacrosse headpockets can be made more uniform, more consistent, and less expensivelyby replacing all or a portion of the pocket with a molded plastic memberor members that attach to the head frame.

[0017] This invention may be accomplished in a lacrosse head pocket, thelacrosse head having a scoop, opposing sidewalls and a ball stop, thepocket comprising pocket stringing defining a portion of the pocket; anda pocket member defining another portion of the pocket and comprisingone or more thin flexible portions that are unitary with the pocketstringing, to create the pocket.

[0018] The lacrosse head pocket of claim may further comprise means forconnecting the pocket to the interior periphery of the lacrosse head, toclose the head such that the head can receive and carry a lacrosse ball.The pocket member may comprise a plastic sheet defining a number ofopenings through the faces to decrease wind resistance. The pocketmember may have a partial outline shape that conforms generally to theinside of the scoop and the sidewalls proximate the scoop. The pocketmember may span between the sidewalls, and have an outline shape betweenthe sidewalls defining a curve such that the length of the pocket memberproximate the sidewalls is greater than its length along its center.

[0019] The pocket member may have an inner surface defining a series ofsmall projections. The lacrosse head may define one or more stringingholes, and the means for connecting the pocket to the interior peripheryof the lacrosse head may comprise means for connecting the pocket memberto one or more of the stringing holes. The means for connecting thepocket to one or more of the stringing holes may comprise connectormembers along at least a part of the periphery of the pocket member. Theconnector members may comprise integral tabs projecting from theperiphery of the thin, flexible sheet. At least some of the tabs maydefine an enlarged head, and be adapted to pass through a stringinghole. The enlarged head may be tapered where it fits through theopening, and include a sharp cutback portion, to define a tooth, so thatit can be pulled through the hole from the inside, but resists pullingback through the hole once inserted therethrough. The means forconnecting the pocket to one or more of the stringing holes may compriseconnecting stringing passing through the openings and engaging with thepocket.

[0020] The pocket member may comprise plastic overmolded on at least aportion of the pocket stringing. The overmolded portion may comprise atleast some of the pocket member. The lacrosse head pocket may furthercomprise a ball-carrying pocket portion. The ball-carrying pocketportion may be partially unitary with the pocket member. The pocket maycomprise an integral combination plastic portion defining verticalelongated portions and the pocket member. The vertical elongatedportions may be received in openings in the scoop and the stop of thelacrosse head. The lacrosse head pocket may further comprise one or morestructures for inhibiting the vertical elongated portions from pullingout of the openings in the scoop. The structures may comprise one ormore teeth on the vertical elongated portions. The structures maycomprise a locking member engaged with each vertical elongated portionoutside of the ball stop.

[0021] The ball-carrying pocket portion may be integral with the pocketmember. The pocket member may be integral with the lacrosse head. Theball-carrying pocket portion may be integral with the lacrosse head. Forexample, the ball-carrying pocket portion may be snapped to, adhered toor molded to the pocket member and the head by inserting a woven ormolded mesh piece into an injection mold and molding a flexible anddurable material such as TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) around the end,so as to create the pocket member, with the pieces fused together. Theball-carrying pocket portion may be integral with the lacrosse head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to thoseskilled in the art from the following description of the preferredembodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a lacrosse stick showing onesimple embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 2A is a more detailed front elevational view of a lacrossehead with a lacrosse head pocket of this invention partially shown andshown being installed onto a head;

[0025]FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the preferredconstruction for connecting the pocket member to the scoop of thelacrosse head;

[0026]FIG. 3A shows the entirety of one embodiment of the partiallacrosse head pocket shown in FIG. 2;

[0027]FIG. 3B shows the lower portion of an alternative embodiment of apocket member of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of afull lacrosse head pocket according to this invention;

[0029]FIG. 5A is a top view of another embodiment of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A; and

[0031]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the construction shown in FIG. 5Bfor locking a vertical lacing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The invention features a lacrosse head pocket comprising a pocketmember which itself comprises one or more thin, flexible portions ormembers such as sheets, and means for connecting the pocket member tothe scoop, and means for connecting the pocket member to the sidewalls.The inventive pocket member may comprise some or all of the pocket forthe lacrosse head. Several embodiments are shown. In one embodiment, thepocket member replaces what would traditionally be considered theshooting portion of the traditional stringing (from the shooting stringsup to the scoop). In another embodiment, the lacrosse head pocket memberof the invention replaces the entirety of the stringing, or just theball-carrying pocket portion. In another embodiment, the inventivepocket member also includes vertical portions that replace the thongs or“leathers” in a traditionally-strung head. The pocket member can be aseparate member that is coupled to the lacrosse head frame, or can beunitary with the head frame.

[0033] Preferably, the pocket member is a molded plastic sheet whichcarries enlarged-head tabs, snaps or other means for connecting it to atleast the scoop of the head using the stringing holes found around theentire periphery of the head frame in a typical lacrosse head. Inanother alternative embodiment, the inventive pocket is integrallymolded with the head frame. Other means of attaching the pocket to thehead frame are also contemplated.

[0034]FIG. 1 depicts lacrosse stick 10 comprising shaft 22 which fitsinto socket 24 of traditional molded plastic head frame 13. Head frame12 carries pocket 15 comprising pocket member 30 and traditionalstringing 32. Pocket member 30 in this embodiment comprises a thin,flexible thermoplastic sheet. The sheet would typically have openings,not shown in FIG. 1, to decrease the wind resistance and also to createa more traditional appearance.

[0035] Pocket member 30 has a partial outline shape that conformsgenerally to the inside of head frame scoop 16 and the portions ofsidewalls 12 and 14 proximate scoop 16. In this embodiment, pocketmember 30 substantially spans the distance between sidewalls 12 and 14.Pocket member 30 has an outline shape 31 between the sidewalls thatdefines a curve such that the length of the pocket member 30 proximatethe sidewalls is greater than its length along its center (in otherwords, the portion that is aligned with the axis of shaft 22 spanningfrom the center of curve 31 to the center of scoop 16).

[0036]FIG. 2 partially depicts pocket member 100 partially attached to,and partially in the process of being attached to, scoop 16 andsidewalls 12 and 14. In this example, the general inverted “U” or “V”shape of the outline shape of the lower edge 101 of pocket member 100,spanning between the sidewalls, mimics the path of typical shootingstrings in a prior art strung lacrosse head. This lower edge shape isnot a limitation of the invention, as this spanning outline could gostraight across the head or down, or take other shapes to accomplish alook or function as desired. Functionally, this outline shape definesthe end of a channel in netting 104 that leads generally up from theball stop area 20 towards scoop 16. Pocket member 100 thus acts as aball launch guide and launch ramp when the ball is thrown from thelacrosse head.

[0037] Member 100 comprises a plastic sheet made of a material andhaving a thickness to accomplish a desired function. The durometer ofthe material can be selected to accomplish a desired stiffness. Thematerial and its thickness can be selected to contribute to thestiffness and also achieve a desired feel and durability. In oneembodiment, the pocket member of this invention is made from SURLYN™(from Dupont) or the thermoplastic elastomer PELLETHANE™ (Dow Chemical).

[0038] Pocket member 100 is connected to scoop 16, and connected in thiscase to the upper portion of sidewalls 12 and 14. This connection can beaccomplished in any desired manner. In an embodiment described below,the pocket member is integrally molded with the lacrosse head so theconnection is permanent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, pocketmember 100 carries tabs or other structures that allow it to beconnected to scoop 16 and sidewalls 12 and 14 through openings such as111 and 118 that are already in the sidewalls and scoop to accommodatethe traditional stringing. In this example, pocket member 100 isconnected to sidewalls 12 and 14 by members 108 that have an extendingaxial portion 108 a and a terminal enlarged “mushroom” head 108 b.Member 108 can be pulled through opening 111 from the inside byattaching string or pull member 110 to member 108 in such a manner thatmember 110 can be cut off or removed from member 108 when the assemblyis complete. Member 110 is pulled through opening 111 from the inside,to the outside position shown in FIG. 2A, thereby forcing enlargedportion 108 b through opening 111. Since member 108 is made from aflexible plastic material, when portion 108 b emerges from opening 111it unfolds to its original button-shape overlaying the intersection ofopening 111 with the outer portion of sidewall 14, to inhibit member 108from being pulled back through opening 111 from the force of game play.

[0039]FIG. 2A also discloses one of myriad possibilities of removablyconnecting pocket member 110 to scoop 16 (or to the sidewalls and/orball stop, for that matter). Connector member 112 along the upperperiphery of pocket member 100 is designed to pass through stringinghole 118 and close back on itself, or be attached back to pocket member100. In this example, button 114 is designed to fit into or throughopening 116 to accomplish this interconnection. Alternatives for suchinterconnection include insert molding for an integral, permanentconnection, or include snaps, buttons, adhesives or other closures orinterconnection means that either permanently or removably connect thepocket member to the head frame.

[0040]FIG. 2B discloses the preferred manner in which the upper portionof pocket member 100 adjacent to scoop 16 is connected to the fourthrough holes 118 spaced along scoop 16. In traditional lacrosse lacing,vertical elongated members or “leathers” are strung through holes 118and passed through four holes, not shown, in stop 20. The netting isthen laced to these leathers. The pocket member of this embodiment ofthe invention takes advantage of these preexisting holes 118 in scoop16. FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross sectional view of one of connectormembers 132 that mechanically couple pocket member 100 to scoop 16.Member 132 includes downwardly-projecting portion 134 that passesthrough opening 118 in scoop 16. Projecting tooth portion 136accomplishes the mechanically enlarged portion that prevents member 132and 134 from being pulled back out of opening 118 in the direction ofarrow A. Sacrificial cord portion 138 is molded in member 100. Thepocket member is coupled to scoop 16 by passing portion 138 down throughhole 118 in the direction of arrow B and then pulling with sufficientforce to pull portion 134 through hole 118 until tooth 136 is againstthe underside 16 a of scoop 16. Portion 138 is then cut off where itmeets tooth 136. Small projecting fin 142 of scoop 16 is placedproximate tooth 136 to help prevent tooth 136 from contacting the groundwhen the scoop contacts the ground, thus prolonging the useful life ofthe pocket member.

[0041] Pocket member 100 comprises only a portion of the “netting”required to close the lacrosse head so that a lacrosse ball can becaught, carried and thrown. The other part of the opening is closed bytraditional mesh netting 104 (or traditional stringing) that is attachedto the remainder of the sidewalls 12 and 14 and ball stop 20 in atraditional manner, not shown in this drawing. There must also be somemeans for connecting pocket stringing 104 to pocket member 110. In thiscase, such is accomplished by interweaving lace 106 through the upperportion of pocket stringing 104 and openings 102 in the lower spanningportion 101 of pocket member 100. Any other interconnection means,including the types described above, can also be used.

[0042] Traditional mesh netting 104 is connected to the remainingportion of sidewalls 12 and 14 in a traditional manner, using additionalstringing that is passed through holes in the sidewalls, not shown, andalong the edges of mesh netting 104 that are adjacent these portions ofsidewalls 12 and 14 and scoop 20.

[0043] One manner of simplifying the final assembly of the lacrosse headmade with the inventive pocket member, and also providing moreuniformity in the pocket member, is to make the mesh netting portionunitary with the molded pocket portion by either over molding theplastic along the upper edge of the mesh netting, or insert molding toaccomplish this result. This would embed the upper portion of thetraditional mesh netting in the thermoplastic elastomer of the pocketportion, providing the desired uniformity in use and ease of finalassembly.

[0044] One preferred embodiment of a complete pocket member 100 is shownin FIG. 3A. Central portion 122 (not shown in FIG. 2 for claritypurposes only) can take any desired configuration as long as it is ableto catch and hold a lacrosse ball. Shown is one of innumerablepossibilities of thin strips that define openings that are present todecrease wind resistance. Since member 100 is an integral plasticmember, the openings through the member can be formed in the moldingprocess, or die cut into a plastic sheet.

[0045] Pocket member 100 thus provides all of the advantages describedabove. These include ease of assembly and consistency in the ball launchregion of the lacrosse head. The consistency is accomplished because thepocket member of this invention is made from one or more thin, flexiblesheets that can be made in a uniform production process such as byinjection molding or extrusion and die cutting. There is thus nodependence on a person stringing this portion of the head to accomplishthe uniformity. Additionally, the functionality can be customized bychoice of materials, thicknesses, construction, and features of thepocket member.

[0046]FIG. 3B details a variation to the lower edge 101 a of the pocketmember. In this embodiment, edge 101 a is recessed or scalloped betweenlacing holes 102 a to create openings 103. Openings 103 isolate areas107 surrounding each hole 102 a. This allows the transition area fromthe netting to the pocket member to flex more smoothly as the ballpasses over it, which results in a smoother ball release.

[0047] Another embodiment of the invention is shown partially in FIG. 4.FIG. 4 depicts pocket 40 that comprises a replacement for the entiretyof the stringing in a traditional lacrosse head. In other words, pocket40 entirely closes the open area of a lacrosse head. Pocket 40 thus hasan outline shape that generally conforms to the inner perimeter of alacrosse head that it is to be used on. Pocket 40 can be producedseparately and coupled to a lacrosse head, or integrally molded in thelacrosse head forming process itself. Pocket 40 also illustrates otheraspects of the invention. Pocket member 42 is separated by boundary 63from ball-carrying pocket portion 44 that comprises intersectingintegral plastic strips 58 and 60. Pocket member 42 defines ball launchguide area 50 defined by perimeter raised lines 51 and 52. This helps tochannel the ball properly from the center of the head when it is thrownso that the throw is more accurate and whip and other throwing problemsare reduced or eliminated. It should be understood that there is norequirement that area 50 be so defined in the pocket member, but such ispossible since these designs can be accomplished by creating theappropriate molding tool. Openings 53 decrease wind resistance. Moldedprotrusions 50 create tactile feedback to the player as the ball rollsover them.

[0048] Pocket 40 thus defines both pocket member 42 (which defines theshooting portion) and ball-carrying pocket portion 44. Both pocketmember 42 and pocket portion 44 are connected to the lacrosse head framein any of the manners described above (e.g. with connecting tabs and/orstringing). Pocket portion 44 is connected to the lower portions of thesidewalls and to ball stop 20.

[0049] In another embodiment, the pocket member comprises the preferredTPE plastic material over molded on at least a portion of the pocketstringing. This can be traditional stringing, but is preferablytraditional mesh netting. In this case, the traditional stringing ormesh netting would close the entire lacrosse head, as in the prior art.However, some or all of the stringing or netting would be over moldedwith a desired plastic and at a desired thickness to accomplish theresults of this invention. For example, pocket member 30, FIG. 1, couldcomprise over molded plastic rather than a separate plastic portion thatis attached to netting 32, either by stringing or insert molding asdescribed above. This over molding technique would allow tailoring ofthe functionality of the traditional stringing or netting, as desired.For example, the area from which the ball is thrown can be made stifferthan the rest of the netting by over molding an appropriate plastic onit.

[0050] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.The inventive lacrosse head pocket in this embodiment comprises moldedportion 200 to which is strung traditional stringing 208. In thisembodiment, portion 200 includes pocket member 202 that is similar to oridentical to the pocket members described in the previous embodiments,and vertical members 204 that are coupled to scoop 16 and ball stop 20to mimic or replace the leathers in traditional stringing. The result isthat the leathers are uniform from one head to another, and have theuniform response of plastic, as opposed to the variability associatedwith the use of leather. Key among the attributes of plastic as opposedto leather is the fact that the plastic will not stretch out over timeto any appreciable extent. In contrast, the leather vertical stringingmembers of traditional stringing stretch tremendously over time, wear,and also soak up water and change their properties when wet. All ofthese cause changes to the pocket, requiring constant care by the playerusing the head to maintain an essentially constant pocket, or the playermay simply live with the changes in the pocket caused by the changes tothe leathers.

[0051] In this embodiment, plastic replacement “leathers” 204 have noneof these problems, and are also unitary with pocket member 200 toprovide a very uniform head.

[0052] Member 200 is connected to lacrosse head as follows. The upperends of vertical members 204 are connected to the scoop in the samemanner as described above. The portions of pocket member 202 that areadjacent sidewalls 12 and 14 are preferably strung to the sidewall holesusing molded openings 216. The portion of members 204 that pass throughball stop 20 can be tied off in a traditional manner. Alternatively, inorder to maintain a very consistent pocket, the invention can include alocking member engaged with each member 204 outside of the lacrossehead, and preferably adjacent to the outer portion of the ball stop 20where members 204 emerge therefrom. This can be accomplished in anydesired manner which would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Onepreferred manner is simply by having locking members 212 that fit overportions 204, or through which portions 204 are threaded. Portion 204can be molded with a series of small teeth that allow the portion to bepulled through locking member 212 on installation, but inhibit themember from being pulled back through portion 212, similar to the mannerin which straps are adjustably but firmly held in buckles in items suchas swim goggles and swim fins, for example. Alternatively, if member 212is held tightly on member 204, such as by using a clamp with projectionswhich tightly grip member 204, member 212 will prevent member 204 frombeing pulled back through a hole simply because it acts to substantiallyenlarge member 204. In any case, the use of these locking members allowsthe user of the lacrosse head to establish a desired length of verticalmember 204 between scoop 16 and ball stop 20, that will be essentiallymaintained for the entire useful life of the pocket. This is especiallyimportant in women's lacrosse due to the restrictions on the depth ofthe pocket, and the desire to have the pocket to be of virtually exactlythe maximum depth allowed by the NCAA Lacrosse Rules.

[0053] Although specific features of the invention are shown in somedrawings and not others, this is for convenience only as some featuremay be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance withthe invention.

[0054] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and arewithin the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lacrosse head pocket, the lacrosse head havinga scoop, opposing sidewalls and a ball stop, the pocket comprising:pocket stringing defining a portion of the pocket; and a pocket memberdefining another portion of the pocket and comprising one or more thinflexible portions that are unitary with the pocket stringing, to createthe pocket.
 2. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1, further comprisingmeans for connecting the pocket to the interior periphery of thelacrosse head, to close the head such that the head can receive andcarry a lacrosse ball.
 3. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1, whereinthe pocket member comprises a plastic sheet defining a number ofopenings through the faces to decrease wind resistance.
 4. The lacrossehead pocket of claim 1, wherein the pocket member has a partial outlineshape that conforms generally to the inside of the scoop and thesidewalls proximate the scoop.
 5. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 4,wherein the pocket member spans between the sidewalls, and has anoutline shape between the sidewalls defining a curve such that thelength of the pocket member proximate the sidewalls is greater than itslength along its center.
 6. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1, whereinthe pocket member has an inner surface defining a series of smallprojections.
 7. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 2, wherein thelacrosse head defines one or more stringing holes, and wherein the meansfor connecting the pocket to the interior periphery of the lacrosse headcomprises means for connecting the pocket member to one or more of thestringing holes.
 8. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 7, wherein themeans for connecting the pocket to one or more of the stringing holescomprises connector members along at least a part of the periphery ofthe pocket member.
 9. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 8, wherein theconnector members comprise integral tabs projecting from the peripheryof the thin, flexible sheet.
 10. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 9,wherein at least some of the tabs define an enlarged head, and areadapted to pass through a stringing hole.
 11. The lacrosse head pocketof claim 10, wherein the enlarged head is tapered where it fits throughthe opening, and includes a sharp cutback portion, to define a tooth, sothat it can be pulled through the hole from the inside, but resistspulling back through the hole once inserted there through.
 12. Thelacrosse head pocket of claim 7, wherein the means for connecting thepocket to one or more of the stringing holes comprises connectingstringing passing through the openings and engaging with the pocket. 13.The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1, wherein the pocket member comprisesplastic overmolded on at least a portion of the pocket stringing. 14.The lacrosse head pocket of claim 13, wherein the overmolded portioncomprises at least some of the pocket member.
 15. The lacrosse headpocket of claim 1 further comprising a ball-carrying pocket portion. 16.The lacrosse head pocket of claim 16, wherein the ball-carrying pocketportion is partially unitary with the pocket member.
 17. The lacrossehead pocket of claim 16, wherein the pocket comprises an integralcombination plastic portion defining vertical elongated portions and thepocket member.
 18. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 17, wherein thevertical elongated portions are received in openings in the scoop andthe stop of the lacrosse head.
 19. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 18further comprising one or more structures for inhibiting the verticalelongated portions from pulling out of the openings in the scoop. 20.The lacrosse head pocket of claim 19, wherein the structures compriseone or more teeth on the vertical elongated portions.
 21. The lacrossehead pocket of claim 19, wherein the structures comprise a lockingmember engaged with each vertical elongated portion outside of the ballstop.
 22. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1, wherein the ball-carryingpocket portion is integral with the pocket member.
 23. The lacrosse headpocket of claim 1, wherein the pocket member is integral with thelacrosse head.
 24. The lacrosse head pocket of claim 1, wherein theball-carrying pocket portion is integral with the lacrosse head.
 25. Thelacrosse head pocket of claim 1, wherein the pocket member has a loweredge that is adjacent to the pocket stringing, and defines a series ofholes along the lower edge for connecting the pocket member to thepocket stringing with connecting lacing.
 26. The lacrosse head pocket ofclaim 25, wherein the lower edge is scalloped to create openings betweenadjacent holes, for improving the flexing of the pocket member loweredge.